A group of academicians and activists formed a new political party and decided to contest the legislative elections. What is the aim of this political party?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → To achieve legitimate control of the government
Option (1) To sensitise the masses — Incorrect. Spreading awareness is the work of social movements and civil society groups. A party may do it too, but it is not the purpose for which a party is formed.
Option (2) To achieve legitimate control of the government — Correct. A political party is an organisation oriented towards achieving legitimate control of government through an electoral process. It seeks governmental power in order to use it for a specific programme. The group in the question formed a party and decided to contest elections, so its aim is power through the vote.
Option (3) To lobby as an interest group — Incorrect. Interest and pressure groups influence parties and the government from outside; they do not contest elections to take power themselves.
Option (4) To begin a new social movement — Incorrect. A social movement is collective action outside the electoral process to bring about or resist change. Contesting elections is the way of a party, not of a movement.
NCERT (2025-26): “3.2 Political Parties, Pressure and Interest Groups in Democratic Politics … In a democratic form of government political parties are key actors. A political party may be defined as an organisation oriented towards achieving legitimate control of government through an electoral process. Political Party is an organisation established with the aim of achieving governmental power and using that power to pursue a specific programme. Political parties are based on certain understanding of society and how it ought to be. In a democratic system the interests of different groups are also represented by political parties, who take up their case. Different interest groups will work towards influencing political parties.…” |